If you’re a DIY homeowner ready to refinish your hardwood floors or are simply curious about Bona products, understanding their drying times is crucial. Bona is a renowned brand in the world of wood floor finishes, known for its waterborne formulas that offer fast drying times, durability, and lower toxic fumes compared to traditional oil-based finishes.
In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that influence the drying times of Bona products, provide estimated drying periods for different Bona finishes, and offer tips to help you speed up the drying process for a beautiful, durable result.
Understanding the Difference: Dry Time vs. Cure Time
Before we explore specific Bona products, it’s important to understand two key terms:
- Dry Time: This refers to the amount of time it takes for a finish to dry to the touch. After this period, you might be able to walk on the floors with socks.
- Cure Time: The full cure time is the point at which the finish hardens completely and reaches its maximum durability. It’s only after full curing that you can move furniture back into place and fully resume regular use of the floor.
Factors Affecting Bona Drying Times
Several factors can play a role in how quickly your Bona finish dries and cures:
- Type of Product: Each Bona product line has a slightly different formula, impacting its drying and curing times.
- Humidity: High humidity levels in the environment can significantly extend drying times.
- Temperature: Ideally, the room temperature during application and drying should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (16-27 degrees Celsius). Temperatures below this range slow down the drying process.
- Airflow: Good ventilation and air circulation contribute to faster drying.
- Number of Coats: The more coats you apply, the longer the overall drying and curing time will be.
Drying and Curing Times for Popular Bona Finishes
Here’s a general overview of drying times for some popular Bona products. Remember, these are estimates, and actual times can vary based on the factors mentioned above:
Waterborne Finishes:
- Bona Traffic HD:
- Dry Time: 3-4 hours
- Cure Time: 72 Hours (3 days)
- Bona Mega Wood Floor Finish
- Dry Time: 2-3 hours
- Cure Time: 72 Hours (3 days)
- Bona DriFast Stain
- Dry Time: 2 hours (wood tones), 6 hours (white), 12-18 hours (dark colors)
- Cure Time: 48 hours to apply Bona finish on top
Other Considerations:
- Water Popping: This technique of dampening bare wood before staining can increase drying times for Bona DriFast stains.
- Thick Application: Applying finish layers that are too thick will significantly increase both drying and curing times.
Tips for Faster Drying
- Control the environment: Use a dehumidifier to maintain humidity levels below 50% and ensure good airflow with fans or open windows (watch for dust!). Maintain optimal room temperature if possible.
- Apply thin coats: Multiple thin coats dry faster and more evenly than one thick coat.
- Allow proper drying between coats: Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time between coats.
- Don’t rush the curing process: While gentle foot traffic may be permitted after the initial drying, wait for the complete cure time before putting furniture back or resuming heavy use of the area.
When in Doubt, Consult the Label and Data Sheets
The most reliable source of information regarding drying and cure times will always be the product label and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) found on the Bona website. These documents provide precise application instructions and times specific to each product.
Final Thoughts
Bona finishes are renowned for their relatively rapid drying and curing times, making them an excellent choice for DIYers and professionals seeking quick turnaround on flooring projects. By understanding the factors influencing drying, being patient with the process, and referring to product instructions, you can achieve beautifully finished hardwood floors that will last for years to come.
